Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Michelle Obama's Style Definitely Goes Way Beyond Clothes...

Last night I was an emotional wreck. First, I was pressed to watch The Black List on HBO since a few of my colleagues had gone to screenings and couldn't stop raving about the doc. I enjoyed the diversity of the profiles -- from Al Sharpton and Chris Rock to Thelma Golden and Zane. Good, good stuff. I did miss the end of Bill T. Jones because as much as I was enjoying the program, I couldn't miss a second of Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. (I guess TiVo would solve that little problem, huh?)

I began watching just in time, as her brother Craig was introducing her. That alone got me teary-eyed because I am very close to my older brother as well. Without exageration, I cried no less than three times while watching Michelle's speech. And then cried again when Malia and Sasha came out to join their mom on stage. Folks, THAT was history. And I'm so grateful that I had an opportunity to experience it in my lifetime. I know there will be a plethora political analysis disecting her speech today in all the major (and not-so major) media outlets. How she is (or isn't) an asset to her husband's campaign, how she did (or didn't) resolve any issues of her being elite or unpatriotic. I can't do that though.

I also can't bear to write about Michelle's flawless shiny hair last night during her speech. Or speculate on how fast the aqua-green, v-neck dress she wore will sell out. Or even how she accessorized the look with a brooch that could have easily went into the matronly zone yet she still managed to look very modern and fresh. Nope, I can't do that today. For one, I've written about her style, at length, here on PPT before. But moreover, the grace, confidence and all-around swagger that Michelle exuded last night had NOTHING to do with what she was wearing. Please understand this. What she displayed has to come from a place within. As much as I love fashion and I recognize how important outward appearance can be, I am much more concerned these days with quality education for children of working class people (and no I don't have kids of my own), affordable housing (Yes, I do own a home) and health insurance for the working poor (Even though I have excellent benefits). Michelle genuinely seems concerned with these things as well and I think her life's work thus far indicate such. Her values on family, work ethic and womanhood are what made me cry last night, I couldn't care any less who designed her dress to be honest.

One lesson Michelle did remind us all of during her speech was:

You wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you.

And she didn't even charge us.

Get a more in-depth look at Michelle's style recipe here in a piece I worked on, Commander in Sheath, for the 10am-6pm. (Click on the main pic to view the photo gallery.)

Bsquared I had checked out the Commander in Sheath gallery BEFORE I knew that you wrote the captions--now it all makes sense. I thought the descriptions were masterful at capturing why we love Michelle so much. Do your thing, girl, do your thing!

What Is People.Places.Things All About?

Trendy is short,Fashion is long,Style is forever.

I don’t know who to attribute the above quote to, but dang if it ain’t true. It’s exactly why I named my blog People.Places.Things. Style is bigger than gray being the new black or flats being all the rage in Milan. Style can certainly encompass those things but it’s also the type of stationery you choose to write on, the restaurants you dine in and why you’d rather stay in a bed & breakfast over a Holiday Inn.

From random musings on those fierce hat wearing church ladies we all adore to "breaking news" updates on your favorite boutique or designer -- it's all here at PPT. So whether you're a frequent guest or just passing through, I hope you are moved by something. Don't forget to leave a comment if you are (or aren't).

About Me

I’m a bit late with the whole blogging phenomenon - I am notorious for having delayed reactions. Hopefully, this outlet will further help me hone my skills as a writer, release some tension and provide y’all with some good reading every now and again.